Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month: The Transformative Power of Adaptive Fashion

As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to highlight the myriad ways we can nurture our wellbeing. Often considered frivolous or secondary, fashion plays a significant role in boosting self-esteem and emotional health, especially for individuals in the disability community. Adaptive fashion goes beyond mere aesthetics; it offers vital support, comfort, and empowerment, making it a crucial element of mental health advocacy.

The Empowering Role of Fashion

Fashion serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence boosting, impacting our moods and self-perception. This is especially true for people with disabilities, for whom clothing can also address practical needs. Adaptive clothing offers convenience and safety while allowing wearers to present themselves authentically. It helps people take charge of their style, which can be a game-changer for mental wellbeing.

The journey to launch our adaptive fashion label, Christina Stephens, began in March 2020 alongside the COVID-19 lockdowns. The idea came from a deeply personal place: my mother Christine’s unfortunate fall that resulted in significant injuries to her arms. Watching her struggle to dress, let alone find joy in her appearance, was irritating, to say the least. Fashion had always been a source of pride for her; the inability to dress without pain affected her mental health profoundly.

Through my experience, I learned that the right clothing is critical not only for physical comfort but for mental wellness. Thus began my quest to fill a glaring gap in the fashion industry— to create stylish, adaptive clothing for people with short and long term disabilities.

Adaptive Fashion: Healing Through Style

Each year, the Australian healthcare system spends billions treating pressure sores, often caused by poorly designed clothing - namely a seam in the wrong place or poorly considered fabrics. So, we took an innovative approach and consulted individuals with disabilities to create our 'Seated Collection,' which features seamless designs that minimise discomfort and risk for wheelchair users. This kind of thoughtful design contributes significantly to physical and mental wellbeing, allowing individuals to focus on living their lives rather than their clothing.

Additionally, temperature regulation is an important factor affecting mental and physical health. Adaptive clothing can assist those with conditions like quadriplegia, who often experience extreme cold, or individuals with limb loss who may struggle with overheating. To support these needs, we crafted a capsule collection of layer-friendly pieces using materials tailored for both warmth and breathability.

Dopamine Dressing: The Influence on Mood

As Mental Health Awareness Month encourages us to reflect on our emotional health, the concept of “dopamine dressing” becomes especially relevant. The idea that what we wear can directly influence our mood resonates deeply. When you feel good in your clothing, your dopamine levels can elevate, leading to improved mental health outcomes. This is particularly true for neurodivergent individuals who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs.

A Community of Resilience

Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered individuals who exemplify the profound intersection between style and mental health. My friend Tracey, who uses a power wheelchair, shared how her choice of clothing dramatically influences her interactions with others during her daily outings. When she presents herself well, it not only changes how others perceive her but also uplifts her spirit.

Juanita, an early model for Chrisitna Stephens, who has spinal muscular atrophy, once shared her struggle with the lack of fashionable options available to her. Sadly, she had given up on expressing her personal style due to her circumstances and alternated between two dresses for five years. Creating an outfit that met her needs sparked a renewed sense of identity and joy.

Celebrating Progress and Future Aspirations

The importance of adaptive fashion is becoming clearer. The recent launch of the Australian Paralympic uniforms by the iconic RM Williams demonstrates a shift toward recognising adaptive clothing as essential rather than optional. Our debut adaptive fashion runway at the 2022 Australian Fashion Week was met with a standing ovation, signaling a turning point in societal attitudes.

Christina Stephens is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, fostering positive mental and physical health outcomes through style. Being awarded the ATSA Innovation Product of the Year for our Christina prosthetic jeans further validates our mission— to create an inclusive fashion landscape for people

The Journey Forward

As we honour Mental Health Awareness Month, let us remember the vital role that adaptive fashion plays in promoting mental health within the disability community. When individuals have access to clothing that suits their needs and reflects their identity, it not only elevates their mood but also empowers them to embrace their lives fully.

Together, we can advocate for a world where fashion is not an afterthought but a critical aspect of wellbeing for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Let’s continue to support adaptive fashion and celebrate the transformational impact it can have on mental health— because everyone deserves to feel confident and and seen!